booby trap

This term carries a strong connotation of deception and malice, as the device is intentionally hidden to trick an unsuspecting victim. While it is most frequently associated with military warfare, guerrilla tactics, and improvised explosive devices, it is also used in a lighter, non-lethal sense to describe prank devices or security measures designed to surprise someone.

In a figurative sense, the term can describe a situation or a legal clause that seems beneficial but contains a hidden danger or a sudden, negative consequence. This metaphorical use emphasizes the feeling of being blindsided by a concealed risk.